A NINE-year-old girl who was disappointed after she didn't meet the Queen on a visit to London had her dream came true last night.

Bethan Elias was the first to meet the Queen as she arrived at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff for the 77th Royal Variety Performance, and the first to be held in Wales.

In a glittering red chiffon gown, with a grey woollen shawl keeping out the winter chill, the Queen was greeted along with her husband by city dignitaries, National Assembly members and representatives from the WMC and ITV which will broadcast the event next month.

The Queen paused to chat with nine-year-old Bethan from Barry, who presented her with a posy.

Bethan, who has Asperger's syndrome, was specially chosen for the honour from scores of local children after her mother told Palace officials of the little girl's disappointment on a recent trip to London that she did not meet the Queen.

Mother Mel and father Tony said, "It's difficult because even though she's got Asperger's syndrome she looks normal and so people think we lead a normal life, which we don't. We never dreamed for one moment that she would be chosen, but she's so excited."

Bethan, who practised her curtsey all day, said she was very excited about meeting the Queen.

The royal couple accepted the evening programmes in presentation boxes made of Welsh timber and copper.

Last night's Royal Variety Performance was the first time the show had been staged in Wales since it was launched in 1912.

The gala evening is typically held in London each year, usually in a theatre in the West End, however, it has been held in Edinburgh and Birmingham in the past.

The show is designed to raise money for the Entertainment Artistes Benevolent Fund.